Travel Guides

June Bonfire Festivals

This integral part of Brazilian folklore and culture
is a New World twist on an old European tradition; coinciding with
the feasts of St Anthony, St John, and St Peter, where bonfire
festivals are held in Rio's squares, clubs, schools, and churches
in the month of June.

Warmly illuminated by bonfires, the events feature
mock country weddings, where couples leap over crackling flames,
and stalls decorated with streamers and lanterns are set up to
resemble village markets. Spectacular fireworks, as well as a good
deal of dancing, drinking, and eating, accompany this scene.
Although travellers seldom visit Brazil exclusively for these
charming bonfire festivals, it would be a great pity not to seek
them out if travelling to Brazil in June.